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Unit OT 18-35, Level 18, Central Park Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, P.O. Box 18006, United Arab Emirates
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Unit OT 18-35, Level 18, Central Park Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, P.O. Box 18006, United Arab Emirates
Unit OT 18-35, Level 18, Central Park Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, P.O. Box 18006, United Arab Emirates
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26 Jul 2024 / Gulf of Aden, Bab al Mandeb Strait, Red Sea, Somali Basin & Arabian Sea Region
India’s Directorate of Shipping has issued a trend analysis of maritime security in the Gulf of Aden, Bab al Mandeb Strait, Red Sea, Somali Basin and Arabian Sea Region for the period November 2023 to June 2024.
The maritime security landscape in the Gulf of Aden, Bab al Mandeb Strait, Red Sea, Somali Basin, and Arabian Sea Region has been significantly affected by the increasing frequency and geographical spread of attacks on merchant vessels from November 2023 to June 2024.
From November 2023 to June 2024, a marked increase in Houthi attacks was observed, particularly between December 2023 and February 2024, with a resurgence in June 2024. The Red Sea experienced the highest number of attacks, peaking at 18 in December 2023, while the Gulf of Aden saw a notable spike of 14 attacks in February 2024. These attacks have led to a significant reduction in vessel arrivals in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden regions, with the Suez Canal experiencing a 60% decrease in traffic, the Red Sea a 54% decrease, and Bab-el Mandeb facing the most significant decline at 62%.
The impact on tanker arrivals is observed to be substantial, with a 47% decrease by June 2024.
From April 2024, the geographical scope of the Houthi attacks expanded beyond the Red Sea and Arabian Sea to the Mediterranean, indicating a strategic shift in operational tactics.
Somali piracy activities have seen a resurgence, with eight incidents reported in the first half of 2024, marking the first successful hijacking by Somali pirates since 2017. The Indian Navy has played a crucial role in rescuing merchant vessels from pirate attacks, demonstrating the persistent threat in the region.
All stakeholders should note that maritime security concerns persist in the region due to the surge in attacks in June 2024, the use of USVs, geographical expansion, and continued escalation.
All CSOs, Vessels, and Masters must consider the heightened security risks. In addition to the reporting through the online form as per DGS Circular No. 08 of 2024 , the SOPs/advisories specified in DGS Circular No. 25 of 2023 dated DGS Circular No. 27 of 2023 dated 29.12.2023 , and DGS Circular No. 08 of 2024 dated 10.04.2024, must be adhered to along with other existing Best Management Practices by the vessels transiting through the region.
The full document can be viewed online at https://www.dgshipping.gov.in/WriteReadData/News/202407190645466965550MARSECDGSCircularno20of2024dated19July2024.pdf
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